Fougera Pharmaceuticals plans $88M Melville plant

Fougera Pharmaceuticals plans to consolidate its local operations into a new $88 million Melville plant that will retain almost 400 jobs and give the firm room for additional growth.

Fougera, which currently operates from smaller buildings in Melville and Hicksville, manufactures more than 200 branded and generic semi-solid creams, ointments and lotions treating such dermatological ailments as eczema, acne and psoriasis. Its parent company, Sandoz, is a leader in the manufacture of generic dermatology medicines in the United States.

The expansion will receive support from the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency and, when completed, a $2 million grant from Empire State Development, the state’s economic development arm. The company also plans to apply for additional incentives from the New York Power Authority.

“Fougera has called Long Island home since the company’s inception in 1849,” said Evelyn Marchany Garcia, Fougera’s vice president. “Therefore, we are extremely happy to be able to continue our longstanding partnership with the local community. This move shows our true commitment to Long Island and its economic development.”

The average Fougera worker earns $88,000 annually, according to the company. The new facility will house manufacturing, R&D, support and administrative offices, with expanded capacity to handle increased production in the future. The project includes expanding, renovating and constructing 30,000 square feet at the Melville facility, including the installation of new machinery and equipment. The project is scheduled to break ground at the end of this year and be completed in 2020.

“This project will retain nearly 400 high-paying jobs on Long Island and create a world-class operations facility in Suffolk County with room for continued growth,” said Joanne Minieri, Suffolk’s deputy county executive for economic development and planning and chair of the IDA Board. “Along with retaining high-quality jobs the company is committed to making a substantial investment in the facility.”

Anthony J. Catapano, the IDA’s executive director, said the support agreement will “strengthen an already strong pharmaceutical sector in Suffolk County.”

“We’re pleased the IDA could help Fougera maintain its long tradition of doing business on Long Island for years to come.”